Pretty Smart Rich

PLACE HOLDER

What do venture capitalists actually invest in, and what does it take to build a $300 million company? Recorded live at Perfect Corp’s Global Beauty & Fashion Tech Forum at FIT in New York City, Christina sits down with Emilie Sydney-Smith, founder and CEO of Vereme, an AI stylist app that brings everything about appearance into one place.

Emilie helped take a startup to a $300M valuation in two years. She then spent a decade investing in startups and 12 years building startups inside some of the world’s biggest companies, averaging a 70x return. Now she’s a founder again, building AI for good: technology that raises self-esteem instead of pushing you to buy more.

In this episode:
– What VCs really invest in (hint: the founder, not just the idea)
– Why leading a team now means leading humans and AI agents
– Female founder tips: executive presence, bold networking, and expecting to be treated well
– How to build a startup worth $300M: solve a problem for millions, co-design with customers, and stay 10x better
– Why so many talented women hold back, and how giving yourself permission changes everything
– How Vereme built 28 virtual try-on features with Perfect Corp’s YouCam API

Connect with Emilie: vereme.com

Pretty Smart Rich is the podcast for women building beauty, fashion, and tech businesses on their own terms.

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, Christina is breaking down what Swan Beauty actually built and why the mirror was never the product. She gets into the five-layer ecosystem Swan assembled before anyone was watching, the numbers that prove this wasn't a campaign — it was a system activation, why the Mitchell Family Office's Cos Bar acquisition is the most important and most overlooked move Swan made, what Mark Mitchell's $325 million healthcare exit means for how Swan is actually building, and why the blueprint Swan just handed the industry is already being reverse-engineered from here to Seoul.

This episode is for every beauty founder, beauty tech investor, and beauty professional who wants to understand what a vertically integrated beauty commerce engine actually looks like — and what it means for the category going forward.

Pretty Smart Rich is hosted by Christina Rodriguez and presented by Enbeauté.

Follow us on Instagram

@PrettySmartRichPod

@Enbeautemag

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, Christina breaks down what OneOff actually does and why the coverage missed the real story, how to read Meghan's investment like a stock market move -- the asset, the dividened, the clearinghouse and the compound return, why her portfolio shift from physical goods to platform equity is the smartes strategic pivot in her business career the real risks -- high beta, headline volatility, and the AI accuracy problem nobody wants to name, and what the model Meghan just validated means for every women generating vlaue for other people's platforms.

This episode is for the beauty founder, the fashion tech professional, the creator, and every woman who has been the product when she should be owning the exchange.

Follow us on Instagram @PrettySmartRichPod

Everyone in beauty is obsessed with launching. The brand. The product. The pitch deck. The Sephora door. But the biggest players in this industry — LVMH, Estée Lauder, L'Oréal — didn't build their empires by launching.

They built them by acquiring.

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, Christina is breaking down why Codie Sanchez's $5 million raise from the founders of Tinder and Coinbase is not a fintech story — it's a beauty industry story. And it's one I'm connecting the dots on.

I get into who Codie Sanchez actually is and what her boring business thesis means for beauty entrepreneurs.

I break down the acquisition playbook that private equity has been using for decades — and why it's finally accessible to a new class of operator.

I walk through the specific beauty assets hiding in plain sight right now: the regional salon chains with no succession plan, the contract manufacturers sitting on decades of formulation expertise, the mid-tier professional brands with loyal wholesale accounts and zero digital presence. And I get honest about what acquisition actually requires — because it's harder than Instagram makes it look, and you deserve the real version.

This episode is for the beauty founder, the beauty professional, and every woman who has been told the only way into this industry is to start from scratch. There is another door. I'm showing you where it is.

Follow on Instagram @PrettySmartRichGirls

Join the Gang on Facebook @Pretty Smart Rich Podcast

On Tiktok @ChristinaCoinedFashionTech

Beauty tech is booming — and if you're a woman who wants to build a career in beauty tech, fashion tech, or the AI side of the industry, this is the episode you didn't know you needed.

This week on Pretty Smart Rich, I break down eight of the biggest beauty tech stories shaping the industry right now — and what they mean for where the jobs are, where the money is going, and where smart women are positioning themselves.

I cover: how Google quietly restructured the entire beauty shopping experience, why the AI beauty market is projected to hit $16.4 billion by 2033 and what that means for beauty tech careers, the Ulta vs. Sephora AI platform bet and who's winning, why TikTok beauty is almost entirely paid media, why Amazon still can't buy beauty culture, which beauty and fashion tech jobs AI is actually coming for, why the acquisition era of beauty is the opportunity most founders are sleeping on, and what happens when ChatGPT becomes a retail storefront.

This is beauty tech from the inside. No fluff. No PR spin. Just the intel that actually moves careers and businesses forward.

Whether you're a beauty founder, a fashion tech professional, a marketing strategist, or a woman figuring out how to plant her flag in the AI and beauty tech space — this episode is your roadmap.

Pretty Smart Rich is hosted by Christina Rodriguez — where beauty meets business meets culture. Dressed to the nines. In everything.

Follow on Instagram @PrettySmartRichGirls and @ChristinaCoinedFashionTech on TikTok

What if wellness wasn’t something you chased… but something you learned to understand?

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, Christina sits down with Laura McCann, founder of Auratherapy Life, to explore how energy, scent, and self-awareness come together in a new kind of wellness experience.

Laura shares how her brand integrates data-informed aura readings with aromatherapy to help people better understand their emotional and energetic state—turning daily rituals into tools for healing, grounding, and clarity.

This conversation moves beyond traditional ideas of “self-care” and into something more personal:

— how scent can shift the way you breathe, feel, and move through your day
— why awareness of your energy changes how you relate to yourself and others
— the connection between consciousness, stress, and daily habits
— building a wellness brand that feels luxurious, but remains accessible

It’s not about perfection.
It’s about awareness.

🎧 Pretty Smart Rich — where business, money, and influence meet the inner work that actually sustains it.

Follow the Gang on Social Media!

@Prettysmartrichgirls

Follow Aura Therapy Life!

@auratherapylife

Most founders think their product is different.

It’s not—and that’s where things start to break.

I sat down with Shannaz Schopfer for a conversation every beauty founder should hear. We got into what actually makes a product stand out—and why so many brands miss it before they even get to scale.

From how AI and social media are shifting where brands spend… to the mistakes that cost founders the most… to where brands quietly lose margin—

this is a real discussion on how beauty brands are actually built today.

If you’re working on a brand—or thinking about it—listen to this before you make your next move.

🎧 Listen now on Pretty Smart Rich.

Get Social! Connect with us!

Christina is the host of Pretty Smart Rich.

Shannazis the CEO of The Beauty Architects.

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, we unpack the cultural shift highlighted — the evolution to something much more powerful: equity.

For years, influence was about visibility.

Followers. Engagement. Aesthetic.

Now? It’s about ownership.

We break down what it actually means when creators transition from posting products to building brands — and why the smartest women in beauty, fashion, and tech are no longer satisfied with sponsorship checks alone.

This episode explores:

• The shift from brand deals to brand ownership
• Why audience trust is the new form of capital
• How creators are leveraging data, community, and distribution to launch companies
• The difference between being paid to promote and being positioned to build
• What “equity” really looks like beyond the buzzword

Because influence is temporary.

Equity compounds.

If you’re a creator, founder, or woman building in beauty and fashion tech, this conversation will change how you think about money, power, and long-term positioning.

Listen in — and start thinking beyond the post.

- Christina the host of Pretty Smart Rich Podcast

Guest: Jo Wong, GM of Pop.Store & CRO at CommentSold

In this powerful conversation, Christina sits down with Jo Wong to unpack her unconventional journey through the tech industry — from consulting and private equity to becoming a startup founder, and now leading revenue and growth at Pop.Store.

Jo keeps it real about:

•

Navigating failure and the emotional weight of shutting down a startup

•

Building leadership skills across male-dominated boardrooms

•

Shaping a communication style that blends authenticity and influence

•

The rise of creators as venture-backed businesses and the future of commerce

Whether you’re building your brand, launching a startup, or finding your leadership voice — this episode is your reminder that success doesn’t follow one straight path.

📍 Take notes. Trust your gut. And be brave.

Welcome to the first episode of our Creator Economy series on Pretty Smart Rich!

Today’s guest is Jo Wong, GM of Pop Store—one of the sharpest minds behind creator monetization tools and strategy. We get into the real talk behind making money as a creator in 2025.

Jo breaks down:• Why websites are dead (and what to build instead)• How to actually own your audience• What makes live shopping so powerful• Why brand deals alone aren’t enough• And how creators can start monetizing access to themselves—from day one.

This is your soft launch into treating your creator journey like the business it is. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale beyond brand deals, this episode is your blueprint.🎙️ Hit play and let’s get into the future of content, community, and cash flow.📲 Create your Pop.Store (it’s free): ⁠https://get.pop.store⁠This isn’t just about content. It’s about power, ownership, and building the future of business—one creator at a time.

Future of AI in Beauty: What You Need to Know

The beauty industry is getting a high-tech makeover, and AI is leading the transformation. From personalized skincare routines to virtual try-ons and AI-driven product recommendations, technology is changing the way we shop for and experience beauty.

In this episode of Pretty Smart Rich, we explore:
💡 How AI is revolutionizing beauty brands and retail
💡 The rise of virtual beauty assistants and AI-powered consultations
💡 What these innovations mean for beauty entrepreneurs and consumers alike

Whether you're a beauty lover, industry professional, or curious about the tech shaping the future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now and get ahead of the next big beauty revolution! 🎧

Are you passionate about beauty but intimidated by tech? This episode is your backstage pass to the AI-driven future of skincare—where creativity and innovation collide. We’re breaking down how brands like Glossier are harnessing AI to deliver hyper-personalized products without sidelining human expertise.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

•

Why AI is a creative collaborator, not a replacement, for makeup artists, estheticians, and product developers.

•

The 5 non-tech skills beauty brands desperately want for AI-driven roles (hint: storytelling > coding).

🎁 Free Download: “The Non-Tech Guide to Working in AI Beauty”
Grab your free PDF packed with:
✅ Checklist: “5 Skills Beauty Brands Want for AI-Driven Roles” (spoiler: UX design tops the list!).
✅ Case Study: How Glossier’s product team collaborates with data scientists to decode customer cravings.
✅ Template: “How to Pitch Your Creative Skills for Tech Projects” (steal our email script to land your dream role!).

💡 Perfect For:

•

Makeup artists curious about AI skincare tools.

•

Skincare junkies eyeing tech-forward beauty careers.

•

Entrepreneurs who want to blend creativity with cutting-edge innovation.

🎧 Tune In to Pretty Smart Rich and discover how to future-proof your beauty career—no coding required.

Join Christina, as she explores these trends and what they mean for the future of fashion!

AI-Powered Creativity: Discover how AI is becoming a design assistant, helping create innovative prints and streamlining the design process from concept to creation.

Hyper-Personalized Style: We're breaking down how AI is analyzing customer data to curate style profiles and deliver truly tailored recommendations. Get ready for shopping experiences that actually understand you!

Sustainable Solutions: Explore how AI is helping the fashion industry become more eco-conscious, from recommending sustainable materials to optimizing patterns and reducing waste.

Retail Revolution: From virtual try-on technologies to AI-powered style advisors, we're exploring how AI is enhancing the online shopping experience.

Whether you're a designer, a tech enthusiast, or love staying ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️Season Premiere: 2025

In this special season premiere, host Christina Rodriguez reflects on the journey of Pretty Smart Rich—not just her own, but ours. Together, we’ve built a platform that celebrates cultura, creators, and ambition, and this episode is a celebration of how far we’ve come.

From the early days of launching during the pandemic to the rebrand and growth that followed, Christina shares the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.

She’ll also give you a sneak peek at what’s to come this season, including inspiring guests, emerging trends, and stories that will leave you motivated to chase your own dreams.

✨ What You’ll Hear:

- The collective journey of Pretty Smart Rich and its evolution.

- Key milestones and lessons from 72 episodes and counting.

- A preview of the incredible guests and topics lined up for 2025.

- Reflections on the power of dreams, culture, and community.

With a dream, humankind’s potential for greatness, justice, and beauty are on display. Without it, we’re left to experience the worst that humankind can offer.

This episode is a thank-you to everyone who has been part of this journey—and an invitation to those just joining us. Together, we’ll continue to celebrate the richness of who we are and the brilliance of what we can achieve.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready for a season of empowerment, innovation, and unapologetic ambition.

In this episode I am breaking down

Patrona PR Ai Boot Camp link is Here

In this enlightening episode of the Fit Beaute Report, host Christina engages in a dynamic conversation with Rick Tapia, a blockchain lawyer and legal tech founder. Recorded in April 2024, this discussion delves into the current landscape of blockchain technology, AI, and their impact on the legal industry.

Key topics include:

• Current trends in blockchain adoption and its applications
• AI's role in transforming legal practices
• The convergence of blockchain and AI in legal tech
• Navigating crypto regulations and challenges
• Insights into Draft Change AI, Rick's innovative legal tech startup

Rick offers a unique dual perspective as both a practicing blockchain lawyer and tech entrepreneur, providing valuable insights for legal professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in these transformative technologies.

Tune in for an informative discussion on how blockchain and AI are currently shaping law, finance, and beyond. This episode offers a glimpse into the evolving digital landscape that's redefining our approach to legal and financial systems.

🚀 The Future of Beauty Tech is Here! 💄🤖 New episode of the Fit Beaute Report now live! Christina explores the transformative impact of AI on the beauty and retail industry. Fresh insights from the Global Beauty and Fashion AI Forum in NYC: • Perfect Corp's "Beautiful AI" revolutionizing virtual try-ons • AI-driven personalization in beauty advice • The future of AI in consumer experiences Discover how brands can leverage AI to enhance customer engagement and drive growth. Essential listening for beauty industry professionals, tech innovators, and forward-thinking retailers. Tune in now to stay ahead in the AI-driven beauty revolution!

In today's episode of The Fit Beaute Report, I am beyond thrilled to welcome a very special guest and dear friend, Dr. Gabriella Baki. Our collaboration dates back to our first cosmetic chemistry camp, where we worked together to keep young girls off the streets of Houston by introducing them to the wonders of science and beauty. Having Dr. Baki on the show today feels like a true full-circle moment.

Dr. Baki is an associate professor at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she serves as the program director and main instructor for the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design major - the first and most comprehensive undergraduate program in the United States focused exclusively on cosmetics and personal care products.

With a background as a pharmacist and a PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Szeged, Hungary, Dr. Baki brings a unique perspective and deep expertise to her research, which focuses on topical delivery for active ingredients and cosmetic actives, sensory testing of creams and lotions, and sun protection factor and broad-spectrum boosting technologies.

Throughout her career, Dr. Baki has made over 20 technical presentations, written over 45 publications, contributed to book chapters, and even authored her own book, "Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation and Technology," now in its second edition.

In addition to her academic and research achievements, Dr. Baki is actively involved in the cosmetic science community, currently serving as chair of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists NextGen Advisory Committee in 2023.

I am so excited to dive into this conversation with Dr. Baki, exploring her groundbreaking work and the future of cosmetic science. So, let's get started!

Connect with Dr. Baki on Linkedin click the link below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-baki-5890693b/

🎙️ In this episode of the Fit Beaute Report, we're exploring the top beauty supplement trends that are set to dominate the industry in 2024. Our expert panel discusses the latest innovations in microbiome-friendly supplements for glowing skin, the rise of adaptogens for stress relief and overall wellness, and the growing popularity of personalized nutrition based on DNA testing.

We also delve into the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions in the beauty supplement market, as well as the importance of ingredient transparency and clean labels for today's discerning consumers.

Join us as we share insights, predictions, and expert opinions on these exciting trends that are shaping the future of beauty supplements. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the latest developments in self-care and wellness, this episode is not to be missed!

Tune in now to stay informed and get a head start on the beauty supplement trends that will be making waves in 2024 and beyond. 🌟💊🎧

Follow us on Instagram